After the first few data points the temperature

points demonstrated some sort of linear relationship. After the first few data points, the
temperature seemed to have settled, therefore breaking the continuously decreasing or increasing
graph. One main cause of error may have been the quick pace of the lab. The thermometer may
have not had enough time to cool back to room temperature for each temperature measurement,
and this could have caused an effect on the accuracy of the values. Another source of error could
be that the cover wasn’t rinsed every time after every reaction, which could have altered the
thermometer reading. A third source of error could be that since the thermometer was used to do
the stirring of each reaction, the temperature recordings may have not been the most accurate.
This is because the thermometer, or makeshift stirring rod, is the measuring tool itself, and it
might need to remain still free of external kinetic energy to get accurate determinations.
There are many ways to possibly avoid such errors in future investigations. One way
would be to stir rapidly for every 20 seconds for the 3 minute interval, and then keeping the
thermometer perfectly still while measuring. This will ensure a thorough distribution of heat
evolved from the reaction, and the thermometer will be still to get an accurate reading.

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